I've always had good experiences going in and having full 20 minute conversations with staff and them telling me about different reptiles and aquatic species. I also really good pricing for feed and tanks read more

I was recently contacted by David Fails, the store manager, about a potential job opportunity. Before considering anything, I asked to see the store's current animal setups and husbandry standards. What I was shown were very minimal enclosures with little to no enrichment. This does not reflect modern, welfare-focused reptile care, which prioritizes proper substrate, enrichment, and environments that allow for natural behaviors. When I asked further questions about their standards, I did not receive clear or transparent answers. Instead, the conversation quickly became unprofessional. Rather than addressing concerns about animal care, I was met with dismissive and inappropriate responses from the store manager (included in screenshots). This experience raised serious concerns about both the level of care and the professionalism behind this business. There are many reptile keepers and shops that prioritize proper, up-to-date husbandry and genuinely care about the animals they work with. Based on what I saw and experienced, I would strongly advise others to do thorough research and consider supporting businesses that clearly demonstrate proper animal care and professionalism. read more

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This place has terrible reviews. But my leopard gecko is healthy and thriving. They knew his habits. And could really speak to him. I recommend. read more

Have all feed or pellets inspected. I wouldn't like any animal to be fed bad food. Now I have to take my bunnies to the veterinary to get check out. read more

Custom Creatures - A worm - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

They sold me a sick chameleon and didn't tell me so he died less than 2 weeks of me having him after I spent over $600 on the chameleon and than vet fees!! Will NEVER buy anything from there ever again!!!!!! read more

I bought a boa here not knowing prices. I tried $350 was fair. To find out BCI's usually go for $200. Even though it was labeled as red tail Boa which is misleading and INCORRECT. They also now try and MAKE YOU SIGN a white sheet of paper when you leave called WHISPERING SANDS...then wording is odd and very fishy. They told me if I don't sign it then I can't shop for feeders in the future!!! I asked what it was and was given some BS confused answer about how their store is going private and only selling to 'members' and will be a private reptile shop. Very odd!!! I posted about this on AZ REPTILE CONNECTION and came to find out they're trying to make custom creatures a religious cult group to avoid paying taxes. SUPER.....SUPER WEIRD!!!! And they can't get it approved unless they get 'x' amount of signatures. BUT THEY DON'T TELL YOU WHAT THAT IS FOR!!! Whispering sans lmfao scam artists Avoid at all costs. These owners are FREAKS and need to be out of the reptile community. read more

I learned of this place while I was having my vehicle repaired nearby. I was lucky to get here shortly after they opened for the day. I was greeted upon entering and told I could look around. Not gonna lie, I wanted to get an axolotl because they were so cute. I stayed strong and continued on my adventure of finding blue tongue skink supplies. I learned that my skink is a northerner rather than an Indonesian. I also picked up some dubia roaches! They have some massive snakes there, massive to me anyway. The snakes were so pretty and I wish I coulda booped one. read more

This pet store is fantastic my and my mother dropped by to buy crickets and while buying them we looked around in awe they're was such a wide variety in f animals frogs, insects, arachnids, reptiles, mammals, etc the animals enclosures are natural and clean they're properly fed and taken care of the staff/ employees were so helpful and informative giving us fun and accurate information on the animals while we were there Another thing about this pet store is they take in animals that were given up by there but seeing them at the store they look so good and happy and the prices!! They are fantastic half the price they usually are at pet stores just a few crickets cost us 50 cents!! I will definitely be coming back give this place some love!!! read more

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Great place to get feeders and pets! We have been doing business with them since 2018 and I can only say good job! They have excellent customer service and the prices are reasonable! The prices have not gone up ever since I have been there for feeders. Very rare thing nowadays to have reasonable prices! This place has my vote! read more

WARNING TO ALL REPTILE LOVER!!! This place is TERRIBLE. This place shouldn't be open, they'll sell you sick reptiles and sick rodents but will take all your money knowing this info. The employees or "family" should be ashamed of themselves. I only had my snake for about a month before he passed!! They yet still have been selling sick rats as food! Do not go here unless you're literally trying to kill your pet. read more

Custom Creatures - Rat died two days after I bought it! Boe wouldn't eat it but he'd literally slither away from it! - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I always pass by this place so I finally decided to stop by and pick up some mealworms for my geckos. The employee there was extremely kind and helpful. Plus, all the animals seemed very well cared for. They even have huge habitats for their animals, unlike most pet shops. Definitely a 10/10. I will be returning! :) read more

I recently bought a desert tortoises hatchilng from here. Got it home and it died in less then 1 week from respiratory infection. We are heartbroken he was so young and we fell in love with and made him family. When I called to warn them about it since they new all the tortoise so packed in the same cage they most likely were sick too no one ever called me back. And now my other healthy tortoises is showing signs of respiratory infection . The tortoises that died was supposedly from a customer who had 40 hatchlings and they didn't know what to do with them. Selling sick animals or animals that can't survey even a week is not how those babies should be treated read more

Super friendly staff.. Jeremy totally went out of his way today and took out several of the larger reptiles for my family in a show and tell... awesome experience for sure and super knowledgeable staff... Thanks Jeremy! Definitely a repeat customer for sure and will return . read more

If I could give zero stars I would, Everytime I have gone to this store which isn't often there is a dead reptile that I have to notify the workers about. First time was a chameleon second time was a gecko, and the third was a frog. Everything's beyond over priced compared to breeders and other reptile shops in the area. Not to mention the last time I went in the girl with short dark hair was beyond snobby. I came in for food for my Australian stick bugs food, as usually the guys give me some plant they have growing in the back for free. She told me to go somewhere else and get eucalyptus. Another guy stepped in and went to the back and got me some politely. They also have awful husbandry, especially for the rabbits and Guinea pigs that they keep in TINY enclosures with no hay. I'll attach a picture of the dead frog below as well as a tiny cage they kept this big boy in. read more

Custom Creatures - Dead frog - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Adopted two adult guinea pigs that had apparently been given to the store. They also had some baby guinea pigs in tiny enclosures, but I felt guilty trading them out for the older ones. The ones we took had apparently been there almost a month and were in poor shape. Their nails were curling into a different direction because they were so long. One has multiple tumors/abscesses on its back that will need attention. The employee there couldn't have been happier to have gotten rid of them because he's more of a "reptile person." I don't mind taking on the responsibility but it's just depressing to see how they were treated. I don't like to give one star reviews but this just wasn't the experience it should have been. I shouldn't have to feel like I'm rescuing an animal from the pet store. read more

Will say anything to get your money . Even if that means giving you inaccurate information which can lead to harm to your pet.

Was told that the tarantula they sold me was a pink toe... went home and found out it's a Brazilian pink salmon bird eater. How did I know this? Am I a tarantula expert? No, I'm actually a beginner. The cup was labeled as Lasiodora parahybana. At first I didn't know what that meant, and I should have googled it myself. But, the guy told me that it was a pink toe. I'm a beginner keeper so I didn't think much of it. I fully trusted the advice they were telling me about the tarantula, it's personality, and its' maintenance. He showed me some pictures of a fully grown pink toe, I fell in love. I also prefer arboreal tarantulas. I came home, wanted to know more about pink toes so I looked up what I thought was the scientific name for it (the name that was on the cup), but it turns out to be something completely different. I know I should've came back to return it, but a part of me feel wrong to do so. I love her dearly and she's so cute to me. Anyways, the guy at the counter insisted that he was a tarantula expert... yeah, right. Anyways, if you're going to come here, do your own research and don't listen to anyone's advice at that place please!! read more

Those all in one uvb & uva heat light barley yield any heat are there reptiles must be freezing

I shop twice a week at Custom Creatures, and I have had never a bad experience. The tanks are clean, and the animals are well taken care off. The owner and his family are courteous, respectful and knowledgeable within the range of these animals they sell and care for. The prices are decent, and the quality is outstanding read more

I asked for 30 large dubias ($15) and 15 large crickets. I was stupid and didn't check the size thinking large means large....The dubias were 1/3 the size of the crickets and totally unacceptable for what I was feeding. After calling and stating the issue I was told "Yeah they are kind of small" - if they were so small WHY did you sell them as large???? No offer of a resolution other than "Next time I'll show them to you before I sell them". Go somewhere else that values your business. read more

Custom Creatures - "LARGE" Dubias next to my thumbnail. - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

So sad to see the animals in the conditions they're in. Really, its heartbreaking. Owners/management of Custom Creatures (if you're listening).... the tarantulas and scorpions you're selling do NOT belong in those deli cups you have them displayed in!! They need homes, proper care. Those poor Asian forest scorpions and all your tarantulas are being housed in tiny cups, no damp substrate, and no hides. Not even any access to water! You guys are treating these animals like garbage and you need to be closed down. Fix this issue or I will not be back. read more

How do I give this place Zero damn Stars. I will not be back. Everything about this place was too small! There was too many people in the shop and the reptiles enclosures were way too small! Who runs that place? It was depressing and when I noticed that sorry excuse of an employee about one of his Turtles being upside-down his response was pretty much, eh the Turtle will figure it out or die! Seriously? Who the hell says that and to a room full of customers. Not only will I not be turning but I will spread my review everywhere! I am pissed! This was so upsetting! read more

Great place to buy live pinky mice, large assortment of reptiles and other exotic pets, prices for reptiles may be a little high, however this place does look like it has been trying harder to maintain their pets healthy along with maintaining a large assortment of different pets. I hope all who have had a bad experience could try again, no store is perfect and this place does look like its family run so expect some not so professional answers for some questions you may give them. All in all pets and reptiles do look generally healthy. I go there almost all week for live pinkies but stay and look almost every time. Helpful people. read more

Custom Creatures - Bearded dragon meeting - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The reason why I would not recommend this place it is infested with mites all animals have them them also I bought a bearded dragon and 2 schinder skinks there male and female and my female passed away from he being infested with mites from here and also I've only owned my little female for almost a month she didn't even make it a month before she passed away and my bearded dragon no longer has them and I had to buy all the treatment for them but sadly it was too late for my little female Schneider skink I've also witnessed a bearded dragon have a seizure and die right in front on me at this place I would even go there for any feeders either from them cause their feeders are infested with mites also read more

Was in this shop yesterday to buy a "feeder rat" for my snake. The gentleman walked up to the feeder bin (in a small room behind the counter) and grabbed me a rat. He began to swing it around by its tail... This agitated the rat. Another customer walked in and asked if they had any non abused rats for a pet. The guy seemed agitated and said nope! Poor girl looked deviststed! Anyways By the time I got home the rat was almost dead (twitching) I decided to not feed it to my snake just yet.. I waited till this am to see of it was going to live and it did not... I will not be going back here. If they abuse thier small animals they must do the same thing to other animals.. read more

Apparently I spoke too soon with my last update. I thought that they always intended to have a clean and organized store, but didn't have room until they moved to their new location, but that obviously was not the case. It took very little time to cram the new place full as they now have salt water fish as well as reptiles. The store is difficult to navigate again and the amount of animals they have makes it impossible to care for them all well. While they do have animals you can't find anywhere else in Phoenix, I would be wary of buying any of them as many looked ill and caging was less than exemplary. I really liked this store and the people who run it, so I'm very disappointed that they didn't use the move to improve themselves. read more

Absolute trash store with trash service. The enclosures are kept clean and the animals are either sick or poorly taken care of . DONT GO

I decided to come in and look at some cute Reptiles and give these guys another chance but I left feeling absolutely sick to my stomach. I was very disappointed to see all their bearded dragons on dirt, even the young ones, which is one big HELL NO to their health. Most of the lizards I saw, not just bearded dragons, were either underweight, had terrible stuck shed, mouths coated in dirt, overcrowded, and just darn right unhealthy. The baby bearded dragons were severely overcrowded and covered in dirt. I felt terrible for the two large tegus that were housed together. One was a male and one was a female and the poor female was extremely stressed out due to being constantly bit at by the male who was trying to breed with her. These people are putting these poor animals in danger. I'll never come back. read more

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Purchased a tarantula yesterday around closing time. Also bought a $50 enclosure. Came home from work and found my tarantula curled in a ball. Manager had me come in for a replacement. Very happy with the outcome. read more

Custom Creatures - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I went to Custom Creatures yesterday evening to adopt a rat as a pet as I have in the past. The gentleman in front of me was buying a live feeder rat where I witnessed the employee swinging the live rat around by its tail aggressively. Whether it was born to die or be a beloved pet, treat your animals with respect! Rodents are able to deglove their tails, by holding it and whipping it around, you are likely to make it suffer. That is very stressful to the animal and it was horrible to watch. I made a remark to the employee then he conveniently didn't have what I was looking for even though we called ahead. By the way, the "pet" rat you sold me last year is the most aggressive rat I've owned in my 12 year experience. She is just now starting to trust me. What does that tell you about how their animals are really treated? read more

I go here regularly and haven't seen any of the issues I read in the reviews. I'm actually only reviewing to say that. They're knowledgeable and helpful. They regularly run out of feeder stock but that's because they have so many happy customers. Call before you go and you Won't waste a trip. also research before you buy any pet. They try to make sure you know what you need before you leave, but they're not responsible for your lack of husbandry. read more

This place is the best pet store for reptiles in the Phoenix area! I've honestly gone just to look around, the reptiles they have there are very special! They have 2 monitor lizards the size of large dogs among a ton of other cool stuff. The staff is knowledgeable, they even let me bring my lizard in when I was concerned about a twist in her spine & gave me incredible advice as to how to treat her (she's already better). Better prices then petsmart or petco. Also just really cool. Like a reptile zoo, great enclosures. read more

Custom Creatures - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

STAY AWAY! I purchased a baby green iguana and within a week died. I have other reptiles and have had iguanas before, I know how to care for them. To begin with, this poor thing never ate or drank. I figured he was adjusting to his new home so I didn't handle him either, just replaced his food daily. I even spritzed to see if he'd even lick up the water. Nothing. When I called about the sick iguana the guy tells me they've had them for two months and they've been healthy. I highly doubt that. I went in and checked the store a few days beforehand and they had an abundant supply of baby greens, when I made my decision to get one, I went back just a couple days later and got the very last one. So I don't understand how they had them for two months when they sell so quick. He refused to exchange or refund, he blamed my set up without knowing my set up. They also had so many guinea pigs in one aquarium with what looked like eye infections, days later upon returning the guinea pigs were still there along with a bunch of bunnies in the same aquarium. The place is run by tweakers! I've since gotten a baby red from Predators Reptile (480)668-6369. Healthy! Extremely active, hungry and thirsty. All pets and plants were well cared for, staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

I've been a customer for custom creatures for a while now Buying feeders and would not. I'm always interested in buying the reptiles their prices are really high not only that they keep them for a long period of time. I would think they would want the reptiles To have a good home Instead of staying in a tank forever. Seen a lot of animals Pass away here That never got bought it's said When animal should be loved not a display. But I guess they're trying to make a zoo. read more

Never have I seen such conditions for tarantulas! Two were considerably past their expiration date and were dead in the death curl for days. It took a customer to tell them they were dead. Their P. metallica was not in great shape. She seemed lethargic and had incredibly dull coloring. If it was a she. They did have a beautiful versicolor but apparently, she had a nasty and mean personality which is odd for a versicolor! They're typically so docile and great for beginners. The enclosures were filled with poop and dead insect carcasses which should've been cleaned up. To top it off, I stood there for at least 30 minutes waiting to be helped while people who came in after me were being helped. read more

Custom Creatures - Dead tarantula - Reptile Shops Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I really, really loved this place my first few times I went there to browse the animals, so I decided to buy a baby corn snake from them. Immediately, I began to notice she was very weak and strange acting. I found out that she had mites. I tried everything to get rid of them, but was unsuccessful. She had a severe infestation and was so small that her body couldn't handle it. I only had her for about a month before she sadly passed away. I never had a problem with snake mites before I got this snake. I really wanted to like this place, but I don't think they pay attention to their animals or make sure that they're healthy. I never leave reviews, but I thought this was important. Beware. read more

Has lots of animals, tanks, and supplies. If you don't mind seeing reptiles, this is a great place to get supplies! We have a bearded dragon from there. (the also sell guinea pigs and sometime s rabbits) read more

Excellent purchasing experience. I previously had a Bearded Dragon (10 years ago) and purchased a 3 month old Chinese Water Dragon from this store. I had researched as I did not want to purchase from Petsmart. Great helpful staff and very knowledgeable. Awesome. read more

They have a lovely selection of bugs and reptiles. HOWEVER, the bearded dragons are in bad condition. There is a large one there that is clearly suffering from severe metabolic bone disease. And I have seen numerous babies with limbs cut off and bones sticking out. I understand shit happens but I seriously think they shouldn't house so many together at a time because that's how they get hurt and lose legs. The prices for objects are insanely high. I found the exact same stuff at petsmart for half the price. read more

An unnamed employee at an unnamed chain pet store pointed me towards this place when I went in for my weekly crickets. I'm glad I went into the chain store that day. This place is seriously cool. If you are looking for a creature beyond a dog or a cat this is the place to be. They have a WIDE variety of critters and creatures. They all look healthy and active. The owners are helpful and very nice. If you're looking for something they don't have I'd be willing to bet they could find it for you. Their prices are pretty good too. It's really hard for someone like me to leave empty handed. I have an addiction to arachnids and they have one of the largest selections I've seen beyond internet sites. Custom Creatures has made my regular rotation for sure. read more